Staring at a blank page and wondering what to draw is something every artist faces—even the pros. Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or returning after a break, having go-to prompts and idea-starters can help you spark creativity, build momentum, and stay excited about your art practice.
This guide is filled with simple, creative, and flexible ideas to help you get unstuck and inspired. From everyday objects to themed prompts and skill-building exercises, you’ll find something here to suit your style—no matter your experience level.
Why “What to Draw?” Is a Real Challenge
It sounds simple: just draw something. But the sheer openness of “anything” often leads to decision paralysis. That’s why prompts, themes, and limited challenges can be so helpful.
Drawing prompts:
- Reduce the pressure of invention
- Offer creative structure
- Push you into new subjects and styles
- Help form a daily drawing habit
Once you have ideas at the ready, your sketchbook becomes a playground instead of a puzzle.
10-Minute Sketch Prompts to Get You Started
These are perfect warm-ups to loosen your hand and shift into creative flow. No pressure—just draw what comes to mind.
- Something that makes you laugh
- A place you’d rather be
- Your breakfast (or what you wish it was)
- A messy corner of your room
- A character from a book you loved as a kid
The goal is not perfection—it’s progress and play.
What to Draw When You Have No Ideas
If you're feeling blocked or bored, try changing your approach.
Use Your Environment
Draw from life or observation:
- The view out your window
- Your shoes from different angles
- Your hand holding a pencil
- A lamp or chair in the room
- A plant, real or imaginary
Explore Memory or Imagination
Use personal experiences:
- A childhood bedroom
- Your favorite holiday scene
- A pet you once had
- A made-up animal or city
Sometimes, drawing from memory adds a new layer of creativity and storytelling.
Try a Challenge Format
Creative constraints breed interesting results. Try one of these:
- One-line drawing: Don’t lift your pencil until you're done.
- Opposite hand drawing: Use your non-dominant hand for 5 minutes.
- Draw in 60 seconds: Set a timer and go!
- Miniature challenge: Draw something that fits inside a 1-inch square.
Themed Prompts to Spark Ideas
Sometimes narrowing your focus with a theme can unlock new ideas. Try sketching a series around one of these:
Nature Theme
- Leaves blowing in the wind
- A single flower in bloom
- A nighttime forest scene
- Rain falling on a window
- An animal curled up in a nest
Food Theme
- Your favorite meal
- A snack in exaggerated size
- A slice of cake with detail
- Food with faces or personalities
- A lunchbox from your school days
Travel Theme
- Your dream vacation
- A train station or airport
- Street food from another country
- A backpack ready for adventure
- A map made of doodles
Emotions Theme
- Joy as a landscape
- Anxiety as an object
- Hope as a character
- Calm as a still life
- Confusion as a comic
Themes like these can turn “what should I draw?” into a focused, expressive process.
Seasonal Drawing Ideas
Tapping into the time of year can add purpose and inspiration to your practice.
- A spooky haunted house in October
- A cozy fireplace scene in December
- Spring flowers and pastel bunnies
- Rainy day windows in April
- Sun-filled beach gear in July
If you're looking for a festive starting point, you might enjoy learning how to draw Valentine's-themed illustrations—perfect for February sketchbook sessions or handmade cards.
Beginner-to-Intermediate Drawing Progressions
If you’re asking “what should I draw?” and also wondering how to improve, try progressing within subject areas.
Beginner | Intermediate |
|---|---|
Single object (apple) | Multiple objects (fruit bowl) |
Front-facing face | Head turned in profile |
Simple cartoon style | Added shading and texture |
Object outlines | Object with light + shadows |
Draw the same subject with increasing complexity. The repetition builds muscle memory while keeping things fresh.
Fun Drawing Lists (Pick One at Random)
Need to surprise yourself? Use these mini lists like a game—close your eyes and point, or roll a die.
Objects
- Umbrella
- Bicycle
- Lightbulb
- Mirror
- Backpack
Creatures
- Owl
- Snake
- Octopus
- Cat in a sweater
- Lizard with sunglasses
Scenarios
- Someone climbing a ladder
- A picnic in space
- A monster under the bed
- A pet teaching school
- A robot walking a dog
You can combine any of the above into mashups or comics if you're feeling bold.
Ways to Capture and Reuse Your Favorite Ideas
Over time, you’ll want to save the ideas that work best for you.
- Keep a Prompt Jar: Write ideas on paper strips and pull one at random
- Use a Prompt Notebook: Reserve a few pages just for idea lists
- Create a Digital Folder: Save screenshots and reference pics for later
- Build a Drawing Calendar: Assign themes or ideas to each week or month
Turning prompts into systems makes it easier to draw consistently—even when your motivation dips.
Final Thoughts: Draw First, Worry Later
The best way to answer “what should I draw?” is simply to draw. Choose anything, start small, and let your curiosity guide you. Your skills will grow the more you practice, and your imagination will expand the more you explore.
Keep your sketches loose, your mindset open, and your goals realistic. Every great drawing begins with a single line—and often, with a random, silly idea.
Ready to start? Grab your pencil, pick a prompt, and fill that blank page with something only you could imagine.
